My Grandfather’s Passing

This past week my earthly grandfather, Dr. Harold North, and one of my spiritual grandfathers, Dr. T.L. Osborn, passed from this life and are now rejoicing with their Savior in heaven. Like Paul they can both say: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)

This has obviously been a sad week for me but I want to take this time and share with you lessons I’ve learned from them both.

Faithful:
My grandfather was a faithful pastor, church planter and preacher. He was also a loving and faithful husband, father and grandfather. As a student pastor I all too often see the damage in children when their fathers are not present. There is power when a man of God remains faithful to his calling, wife and family.

Dr. Osborn was a faithful missionary evangelist. He has been lovingly accused of seeing more miracles than any other minister. He saw up to 300,000 people in attendance in his meetings as he would lovingly explain Christ to people. His life has inspired thousands to go and do likewise. I have been deeply inspired by his faithfulness to finish well.

Intelligent:
Both of them have a ‘doctor’ in front of their name because they studied hard. They valued the power of knowing God and His Word. I loved spending time with both men. They did the talking and I did the listening for the most part. Whatever you are doing I want to encourage you to give it everything you have. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Separated:
Both men believed in living for God. In an era when holiness is mocked and the lives of Christians and even Christian leaders are not that different from the world, they lived according to God’s standard. They avoided scandals in their ministries and remained married to the wife of their youth. They both serve as an example of how we as believers should all live.

Thank you for allowing me to share my heart on these two great men of God.

My family and I appreciate your prayers for us as we grieve and celebrate my grandfather’s passing.

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